'It’s going to have a huge impact in...' - Virat Kohli on significance of T20 World Cup 2024 on cricketing culture in US

After much anticipation, the awaited month of June has dawned, heralding the commencement of the T20 World Cup extravaganza. June promises to be saturated with fervor, as twenty teams vie in a riveting display of high-stakes and fiercely competitive 20-over cricket. Co-hosted by the West Indies and the US, the latter assumes the role of host for this significant event for the inaugural time. In a nation where sports such as basketball and baseball have long held sway, captivating the majority of the audience for decades, this occasion stands as a watershed moment for cricket, hopefully signalling its gradual integration into the fabric of American sporting culture.

During a discussion with the US Consulate in Mumbai, Indian star cricketer Virat Kohli, expressed his astonishment at the unforeseen prospect of himself or Team India participating in cricket matches on American soil. With the impending 20-over World Cup to be held there, he emphasized its significance as a pivotal moment in initiating the expanding influence of cricket globally, particularly in the States. He lauded the nation's readiness to embrace this change, perhaps even leading the charge on a global scale.

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“Honestly, I never thought we would be playing cricket in any form in the States. But, now it’s a reality. And that tells you about the growing impact of the sport in the world and the United States is more than willing to accept the change and probably be the first one on a global scale to accept it, in a way, with the World Cup," shared Kohli, in a conversation with the US Consulate in Mumbai.

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Kohli also remarked that this was a promising beginning and an ideal launch for something monumental. He anticipated a ripple effect and expressed hope that the advancement of cricket would continue for an extended period. 

“I think it’s a great start. It’s the ideal way to begin and it’s going to have a huge impact, and in starting off a kind of a domino effect. I hope it carries on for a long period of time,” the 35-year-old added.

I think it’s got great potential, with the MLC as well: Kohli

Elaborating on his point, Kohli noted that the substantial population of Indian expatriates in the US are already sustaining and promoting the cricketing culture there, potentially making a long-term impact. He emphasized the significant role of Major League Cricket in this evolution, pointing out a recent key development that has expanded its prospects and reach. This, coupled with the inclusion of numerous renowned international cricketers, indicates that the sport is progressing in the right direction, as put forward by Kohli.

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“We have enough people from our regions to keep the game up and alive in the States and make the others more aware about what it feels like to play and watch cricket. And I think it’s got great potential, with the MLC as well. There is already franchise cricket happening there. So, I think, it’s moving in the right direction,” Kohli concluded.